It is that time of year again; the groundhog looks for his shadow, people dodge asteroids and rumors of Pliny the Younger sightings start making their rounds. It was a week ago that I first heard rumors of Pliny the Younger being poured locally, but when I investigated further I discovered it was Pliny the Elder that was making an appearance; a nice IPA, but not quite a Younger. When I was at the Abigaile One Year Anniversary party a gentleman that was sitting next to us informed me that he had just gotten a text that Pliny the Younger would be appearing at a gastropub in Alhambra, 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill, on Saturday morning. Knowing how rumors can be, I decided to call them and confirm; it was true. After a short discussion with co-owner Clay Harding it was decided that I would ride out and photograph their event.
For those not in the know, Pliny the Younger is an annual release from Russian River Brewing Company. It is a triple IPA that is served on tap only and is released every February in very limited amounts. When I did some reading about prior releases there were talks about the beer lasting five days before it was sold out; now it is lucky to last five hours. 38 Degrees had more than 400 people standing out front waiting to get in and get their taste of this latest batch when I arrived around 10:30; the first guy in line arrived at 7:30! He really wanted his Pliny.
In order to ensure that everyone got to sample Pliny the Younger, 38 Degrees handed out tickets that would allow the bearer to purchase a Russian River Brewing flight consisting of Row 2/Hill 56, Blind Pig, Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger; it was a hopheads delight. When the doors opened and people began pouring in, the taps began pouring gallons of Russian River to everyone’s delight. This was my first visit to 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill but it most certainly will not be my last. They have 38 craft beers on tap or cask, many of them very hard to find. The food looked and smelled great and everyone I talked to thought it tasted great as well.
I would like to thank Clay, Amanda, Julie and the entire staff of 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill for the pleasant experience. I cannot wait to return and try more of your vast selection of craft brews.
